Why is Pesto alla genovese classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The pesto combines several processed components such as aged cheeses, animal rennet, and lysozyme derived from egg, and it includes the additives E270 (lactic acid) and E300 (ascorbic acid), which together place it in the ultra-processed NOVA 4 category.

How do the fat, saturated‑fat and salt levels in this pesto affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

The low sugar content is beneficial for blood‑glucose control, but the very high total fat and saturated‑fat increase calorie density and may raise cholesterol, while the moderate salt contributes to sodium intake; together they require careful portion control for people with diabetes or high blood pressure.

Is this pesto suitable for vegan, keto, halal or gluten‑free diets?

It is gluten‑free, but it contains dairy, animal‑derived rennet and egg lysozyme, so it is not vegan or halal; the very low carbohydrate level makes it compatible with a keto approach if the high fat content is acceptable.

Italiamo, Lidl • 190 g

Pesto alla genovese

Fat And Sauces

Product Insights

Pesto alla genovese is a ready-to-use green sauce that falls under the 'Dressings and sauces' group of the PNNS classification. With a Nutri-Score of E and a NOVA 4 rating, it is an ultra-processed product that is very high in fat (≈40 g), saturated fat (5.6 g) and moderately high in salt (2.5 g) per 100 g, while its sugar content is low (3.2 g). The product is labelled gluten-free but contains dairy, animal rennet, egg-derived lysozyme and nuts, triggering milk, egg and nut allergen warnings, and it receives an overall Eco-Score of D.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

low

Salt

high

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal402 kcal

Fat39.7 g

Saturated Fat5.6 g

Carbohydrates4.1 g

Sugars3.2 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with average condiments, its sugar (3.2 g) is far below the typical 10.95 g, its fat (39.7 g) and saturated fat (5.6 g) are markedly higher than the averages of 12.01 g and 2.14 g, while its salt level (2.5 g) is slightly lower than the average 5.02 g.

Ingredients

44% Basilikum, 18% natives Olivenöl extra, 16% Sonnenblumenöl, 6% Grana Padano g,U, (_Milch_, Speisesalz, tierisches Lab, Konservierungsstoff: Lysozym aus _Ei_), 4% Pinienkerne, _Cashewkerne_, Pecorino Romano g,U, (_Schafsmilch_, Speisesalz, tierisches Lab), _Molkeneiweiß_, Speisesalz, Zucker, Knoblauch, Säureregulator: Milchsäure, Antioxidationsmittel: Ascorbinsäure,

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